It's always fascinating to revisit games that kept fans on the edge of their seats, and the November 2nd, 2025, clash between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the USC Trojans certainly fits that bill. From the initial odds favoring USC to the nail-biting final score, this regular-season NCAA matchup delivered plenty of drama.
Looking at the numbers, USC entered the game as the favorite, with odds reflecting a 1.50 payout compared to Nebraska's 2.65. This suggests a general expectation of a USC victory, a sentiment that ultimately proved correct, though not without a significant fight from the Cornhuskers.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, a true testament to the competitive spirit of both teams. The scoreline tells a story of momentum shifts and crucial plays. We saw USC take an early lead, only for Nebraska to claw its way back. The first quarter ended with Nebraska ahead 7-0, a promising start for the home crowd. However, USC responded, and by halftime, the score was 14-6 in favor of the Trojans.
The third quarter saw Nebraska stage a comeback, tying the game at 14-14. This period was crucial, demonstrating Nebraska's resilience and ability to execute under pressure. But USC wasn't done. They managed to edge ahead again, leading 17-14 heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was where the game was truly decided. Despite Nebraska's efforts, USC secured the win with a final score of 21-17. The live commentary highlights key moments, like J. Maiava's crucial kneel-downs to run out the clock and Nebraska's late turnover on downs. Plays like K. Miller's touchdown run and R. Sayeri's successful extra point were pivotal in USC's victory, while Nebraska's T. Lateef and E. Johnson showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately, it wasn't enough.
It's interesting to see how the public perception, reflected in the "Who will win?" vote, leaned heavily towards USC with 72% of the total 496 votes. This aligns with the betting odds, but the 28% who backed Nebraska clearly believed in their team's potential to pull off an upset. Games like these, where the outcome is uncertain until the very end, are what make college football so captivating. The stats, like yardage gained by players like Dylan Raiola and Jayden Maiava, offer a glimpse into individual performances, but it's the collective effort and the ability to perform when it matters most that ultimately determines the winner.